However, the pair are still facing competition from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and current La Liga champions Atletico Madrid for his signature.

Silva starred for Brazil’s Under-20 side at the Toulon Tournament over the summer, and now the Premier League trio are keen to spring out the reported £12m to secure his signature before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.

Although he is a defensive-style player, he scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over England’s Young Lions in the group stages as Brazil went on to lift the trophy.

He was recently selected to link up with the Brazilian under-21 side and has previously been on the radars of both Barcelona and Inter Milan.

However, English sides may face a stumbling block in the shape of a work permit, as it is believed he may find it difficult to obtain one.

But that could be saved by the fact that he may be considered as a ‘special talent’ having appeared for every age group for his country.